The Council determined that violence is caused by a combination of underlying family, individual, and community/social conditions that can converge to increase the risk of violence; furthermore, the conditions that breed violence are exacerbated by the effects of violence. Council members outlined a conceptual framework within which they proposed various policy initiatives; the framework was predicated on the need to embrace violent-free values, adopt a strength-based view of family and community, apply effective principles to community building, and focus on prevention at all levels. Finally, the Council developed several major common ground initiatives for multidisciplinary, communitywide responses to violence. These related to media coverage of violence, efforts to reduce gun-related deaths, programs to reduce alcohol-related violence, empowerment of schools and communities, family support, a respect for diversity, and efforts to raise healthy and responsible youth. 3 appendixes